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Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Mark 13:5–13. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Our Lord Jesus, in reply to their question, sets himself, not so much to satisfy their curiosity as to direct their consciences; leaves them still in the dark concerning the times and seasons, which the father has kept in his own power, and which it was not for them to know; but gives them the cautions which were needful, with reference to the events that should now shortly come to pass.
I.They must take heed that they be not deceived by the seducers and imposters that should now shortly arise (Mar 13:5, Mar 13:6); "Take heed lest any man deceive you, lest, having found the true Messiah, you lose him again in the crowd of pretenders, or be inveigled to embrace others in rivalship with him. Many shall come in my name (not in the name of Jesus), but saying, I am the Christ, and so claiming the dignities which I only an entitled to." After the Jews had rejected the true Christ, they were imposed upon, and so exposed by many false Christs, but never before; those false Christs deceived many; Therefore take heed lest they deceive you. Note, When many are deceived, we should thereby be awakened to look to ourselves.
II.They must take heed that they be not disturbed at the noise of wars, which they should be alarmed with, Mar 13:7, Mar 13:8.
Sin introduced wars, and they come from men's lusts. But at some times the nations are more distracted and wasted with wars than at other times; so it shall be now; Christ was born into the world when there was a general peace, but soon after he went out of the world there were general wars; Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And what will become of them then who are to preach the gospel to every nation? Inter arma silent leges - Amidst the clash of arms, the voice of law is not heard. "But be not troubled at it." 1. "Let it be no surprise to you; you are bid to expect it, and such things must needs be, for God has appointed them, in order to further accomplishment of his purposes, and by the wars of the Jews" (which Josephus has given us a large account of) "God will punish the wickedness of the Jews." 2. "Let it be no terror to you, as if your interest were in danger of being overthrown, or your work obstructed by these wars; you have no concern in them, and therefore need not be apprehensive of any damage by them." Note, Those that despise the smiles of the world, and do not court and covet them, may despise the frowns of the world, and need not fear them. If we seek not to rise with them that rise in the world, why should we dread falling with them that fall in the world? 3. "Let it not be looked upon as an omen of the approaching period of the world, for the end is not yet, Mar 13:7. Think not that these wars will bring the world to a period; no, there are other intermediate counsels to be fulfilled betwixt that end and the end of all things, which are designed to prepare you for the end, but not to hasten it out of due time." 4. "Let it not be looked upon as if in them God has done his worst; no, he has more arrows in his quiver, and they are ordained against the persecutors; be not troubled at the wars you shall hear of, for they are but the beginnings of sorrows, and therefore, instead of being disturbed at them, you ought to prepare for worse; for there shall also be earthquakes in divers places, which shall bury multitudes in the ruins of their own houses, and there shall be famines, by which many of the poor shall perish for want of bread, and troubles and commotions; so that there shall be no peace to him that goes out or comes in. The world shall be full of troubles, but be not ye troubled; without are fightings, within are fears, but fear not ye their fear." Note, The disciples of Christ, if it be not their own fault, may enjoy a holy security and serenity of mind, when all about them is in the greatest disorder.
III.They must take heed that they be not drawn away from Christ, and from their duty to him, by the sufferings they should meet with for Christ's sake. Again, he saith, "Take heed to yourselves, Mar 13:9. Though you may escape the sword of war, better than some of your neighbours, because you interest not yourselves in the public quarrels, yet be not secure; you will be exposed to the sword of justice more than others, and the parties that contend with one another, will unite against you. Take heed therefore lest you deceive yourselves with the hopes of outward prosperity, and such a temporal kingdom as you have been dreaming of, when it is through many tribulations that you must enter into the kingdom of God. Take heed lest you needlessly expose yourselves to trouble, and pull it upon your own head. Take heed what you say and do, for you will have many eyes upon you." Observe,
1.What the trouble is which they must expect.
(1.)They shall be hated of all men; trouble enough! The thoughts of being hated are grievous to a tender spirit, and the fruits of that hatred must needs be a constant vexation; those that are malicious, will be mischievous. It was not for any thing amiss in them, or done amiss by them, that they were hated, but for Christ's name sake, because they were called by his name, called upon his name, preached his name, and wrought miracles in his name. The world hated them because he loved them.
(2.)Their own relations shall betray them, those to whom they were most nearly allied, and on whom therefore they depended for protection; "They shall betray you, shall inform against you, and be your prosecutors." If a father has a child that is a Christian, he shall become void of natural affection, it shall be swallowed up in bigotry, and he shall betray his own child to the persecutors, as if he were a worshipper of other gods, Deu 13:6-10.
(3.)Their church-rulers shall inflict their censures upon them; "You shall be delivered up to the great Sanhedrim at Jerusalem, and to the inferior courts and consistories in other cities, and shall be beaten in the synagogues with forty stripes at a time, as offenders against the law which was read in the synagogue." It is no new thing for the church's artillery, through the treachery of its officers, to be turned against some of its best friends.
(4.)Governors and kings shall use their power against them. Because the Jews have not power to put them to death, they shall incense the Roman powers against them, as they did Herod against James and Peter; and they shall cause you to be put to death, as enemies to the empire. They must resist unto blood, and still resist.
2.What they shall have to comfort themselves with, in the midst of these great and sore troubles.
(1.)That the work they were called to should be carried on and prosper, notwithstanding all this opposition which they should meet with in it (Mar 13:10); "The gospel shall, for all this, be published among all nations, and before the destruction of Jerusalem the sound of it shall go forth into all the earth; not only through all the nation of the Jews, but to all the nations of the earth." It is comfort to those who suffer for the gospel, that, though they may be crushed and borne down, the gospel cannot; it shall keep its ground, and carry the day.
(2.)That their sufferings, instead of obstructing their work, should forward it; "Your being brought before governors and kings shall be for a testimony of them (so some read it, Mar 13:9); it shall give you an opportunity of preaching the gospel to those before whom you are brought as criminals, to whom otherwise you could not have access." Thus St. Paul's being brought before Felix, and Festus, and Agrippa, and Nero, was a testimony to them concerning Christ and his gospel. Or, as we read it, It shall be for a testimony against them, against both the judges and the prosecutors, who pursue those with the utmost rage that appear, upon examination, to be not only innocent but excellent persons. The gospel is a testimony to us concerning Christ and heaven. If we receive it, it will be a testimony for us: it will justify and save us; if not, it will be a testimony against us in the great day.
(3.)That, when they were brought before kings and governors for Christ's sake, they should have special assistance from heaven, to plead Christ's cause and their own (Mar 13:11); "Take no thought before-hand what he shall speak, be not solicitous how to address yourselves to great men, so as to obtain their favour; your cause is just and glorious, and needs not be supported by premeditated speeches and harangues; but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, whatsoever shall be suggested to you, and put into your minds, and into your mouths" (pro re nat - on the spur of the occasion), "that speak ye, and fear not the success of it, because it is off-hand, for it is not ye that speak, purely by the strength of your own wisdom, consideration, and resolution, but it is the Holy Ghost." Note, Those whom Christ calls out to be advocates for him, shall be furnished with full instructions: and when we are engaged in the service of Christ, we may depend upon the aids of the Spirit of Christ.
(4.)That heaven at last would make amends for all; "You will meet with a great deal of hardship in your way, but have a good heart on it, your warfare will be accomplished, and your testimony finished, and he that shall endure to the end, the same shall be saved," Mar 13:13. Perseverance gains the crown. The salvation here promised is more than a deliverance from evil, it is an everlasting blessedness, which shall be an abundant recompence for all their services and sufferings. All this we have, Mat 10:17, etc.
Historical interpretation
Nine Centuries of Reception
6 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
Just as bodies become sick before their death if they do not suffer violence from without, and in all cases the way of separation of soul from body comes through weakness, so it happens with the whole course of the world creation. When the creation begins to decay, having as it has both beginning and end, it must grow weak before its dissolution. At this point the earth may be frequently shaken with earthquakes. The air having received some diseased contagion may become overrun with pestilence. Moreover the vital energies of the earth itself may suddenly fail and strangle its fruits. These destructive forces may pollute the regenerative capacity of all trees.
(Epist. cxcix. 9.) In answer to the disciples, the Lord tells them of things which were from that time forth to have their course; whether He meant the destruction of Jerusalem which occasioned their question, or His own coming through the Church, (in which He ever comes even unto the end, for we know that He comes in His own, when His members are born day by day,) or the end itself, in which He will appear to judge the quick and the dead.
The final tribulation is preceded by many tribulations, and through the frequent evils that come before, the perpetual evils that will follow are indicated. And therefore after wars and seditions the end does not come immediately, because many evils must run before, so that they may be able to announce evil without end. But since so many signs of disturbance have been mentioned, we ought to touch briefly upon the consideration of each one, because it is necessary that we suffer some things from heaven, some from earth, some from the elements, some from men. For he says: "Nation will rise against nation"—behold the disturbance of men; "there will be great earthquakes in various places"—behold the look of wrath from above; "there will be pestilences"—behold the disorder of bodies; "there will be famine"—behold the barrenness of the earth. Because therefore all things are to be brought to an end, before the end all things are disturbed; and we who have sinned in all things are struck in all things.
Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be earthquakes in various places, and pestilences and famines. These are the beginnings of sorrows. In the Gospel of Luke, it is written: And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and pestilences and famines (Luke 21). It is known that these things happened literally before the last and most bitter pains, by which the entire province was devastated, or rather erased, during the time of the Jewish sedition. But kingdom against kingdom, and the pestilence of those whose speech spreads like cancer, and the famine of hearing the word of God, and the upheaval of the whole earth, and the separation from the true faith, can be better understood in heretics, who, fighting against each other, bring about the victory of the Church. Moreover, the Lord reveals why so many adversities were deservedly bestowed upon Jerusalem and the whole province of the Jews, by adding when he says:
(ubi sup.) Because the Lord, when some were praising the buildings of the temple, had plainly answered that all these were to be destroyed, the disciples privately enquired about the time and the signs of the destruction which was foretold; wherefore it is said: And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, Tell us when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled. The Lord sits upon the mount of Olives, over against the temple, when He discourses upon the ruin and destruction of the temple, so that even His bodily position may be in accordance with the words which He speaks, pointing out mystically that, abiding in peace with the saints, He hates the madness of the proud. For the mount of Olives marks the fruitful sublimity of the Holy Church.
(ubi sup.) For many came forward, when destruction was hanging over Jerusalem, saying that they were Christs, and that the time of freedom was now approaching. Many teachers of heresy also arose in the Church even in the time of the Apostles; and many Antichrists came in the name of Christ, the first of whom was Simon Magus, to whom the Samaritans, as we read in the Acts of the Apostles, listened, saying, This man is the great power of God: wherefore also it is added here, And shall deceive many. (Acts 8:10) Now from the time of the Passion of our Lord there ceased not amongst the Jewish people, who chose the seditious robber and rejected Christ the Saviour, either external wars or civil discord; wherefore it goes on: And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled. And when these come, the Apostles are warned not to be afraid, or to leave Jerusalem and Judæa, because the end was not to come at once, nay was to be put off for forty years. And this is what is added: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet, that is, the desolation of the province, and the last destruction of the city and temple. It goes on: For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
(ubi sup.) Now it is on record that this literally took place at the time of the Jewish rebellion. But kingdom against kingdom, the pestilence of those whose word spreads as a canker, dearth of the word of God, the commotion of the whole earth, and the separation from the true faith, may all rather be understood of heretics who, by fighting one against the other, bring about the triumph of the Church.
But before answering their question, He strengthens their minds that they may not be deceived, wherefore there follows: And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you? And this He says, because when the sufferings of the Jews began, some arose professing to be teachers, wherefore there follows: For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
That is, the Romans against the Jews, which Josephus relates happened before the destruction of Jerusalem. For when the Jews refused to pay tribute, the Romans arose, in anger; but because at that time they were merciful they took indeed their spoils, but did not destroy Jerusalem. What follows shows that God fought against the Jews, for it is said, And there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines.
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Summary
Mark 13:8, a crucial verse within Jesus' Olivet Discourse, delineates specific global upheavals that will precede His glorious return and the consummation of the age. It describes increasing geopolitical strife, widespread natural disasters like earthquakes and famines, and general societal distress. Crucially, Jesus characterizes these events not as the end itself, but as "the beginnings of sorrows," employing the powerful imagery of intensifying birth pangs that signify a purposeful, progressive process leading to a definitive, divine conclusion.
Context
Literary Context
Mark 13:8 is embedded within Jesus' Olivet Discourse, His extensive prophetic teaching delivered on the Mount of Olives. This discourse is a direct response to His disciples' awe at the Temple's grandeur and their subsequent questions regarding its destruction and the signs of His coming and the end of the age, as recorded in Mark 13:4. Having predicted the Temple's complete desolation in Mark 13:2, Jesus then warns against deception before outlining a series of escalating global signs. It is vital to note that Jesus explicitly distinguishes these initial signs from the final consummation, labeling them merely "the beginnings of sorrows." This discourse finds significant parallels in Matthew 24 and Luke 21, underscoring its profound importance in New Testament eschatology.
Historical & Cultural Context
Jesus' audience, first-century Jews living under Roman occupation, would have been familiar with the concept of "birth pangs of the Messiah" (Hebrew: chevlê hammāšîaḥ). This rabbinic teaching posited that a period of intense suffering, chaos, and tribulation would precede the arrival of the Messiah and the establishment of His kingdom. The "nation against nation, and kingdom against kingdom" would resonate with the frequent revolts and conflicts within the Roman Empire and between various ethnic groups. Earthquakes, famines, and pestilences were not uncommon occurrences in the ancient world, but Jesus' prophecy points to an unprecedented increase in their frequency and intensity as indicators of the approaching end. His words would have served as both a warning and a call to spiritual discernment for a people keenly awaiting messianic fulfillment.
Key Themes
Mark 13:8 contributes to several overarching themes within the Olivet Discourse and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it highlights the theme of Eschatological Signs, serving as divine indicators that humanity is progressing towards the culmination of history. Secondly, the phrase "beginnings of sorrows" introduces the theme of Progressive Intensity, using the potent imagery of labor pains to convey that these signs will increase in frequency and severity, signaling the imminent "birth" of a new age. This theme is further emphasized by Jesus' subsequent call for vigilance and endurance, as seen in Mark 13:33. Thirdly, despite the depicted chaos, the verse implicitly affirms Divine Sovereignty, assuring believers that these events are not random but are part of God's predetermined plan, unfolding according to His perfect timing. Finally, these signs serve as a Call to Endurance and Vigilance, urging believers not to be terrified or misled, but to remain steadfast in faith and actively prepare for Christ's return.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This verb, often translated as "to waken," "to rouse," or "to raise up," carries a sense of active, sometimes forceful, emergence or initiation. In the context of "nation shall rise against nation," it denotes a dynamic, aggressive, and perhaps unexpected surge of conflict. It suggests an active, hostile movement rather than a passive state of opposition, emphasizing the escalating nature of the global strife.
While broadly meaning "a race" or "a tribe," éthnos in the New Testament often refers specifically to non-Jewish peoples, or "Gentiles." The repetition of "nation against nation" (and "kingdom against kingdom") underscores a widespread, global conflict, not limited to a single region or people group. It points to a breakdown of international peace and a surge in ethnic or nationalistic hostilities.
This is a crucial term, literally meaning "a pang or throe, especially of childbirth." Its use here transforms the generic idea of "troubles" into a vivid metaphor of labor pains. This implies that the preceding events (wars, earthquakes, famines, troubles) are not random afflictions but are part of a purposeful, progressive process. Like birth pangs, they will increase in frequency and intensity, signaling the imminent "birth" of a new era—the full establishment of God's kingdom and Christ's return.
Verse Breakdown
"For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom"
This clause prophesies widespread geopolitical unrest and military conflict. "Nation" (éthnos) implies ethnic or tribal strife, while "kingdom" (basileía) refers to larger political entities or empires. The repetition emphasizes the pervasive and escalating nature of these conflicts, indicating a breakdown of global order and an increase in international warfare.
"and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles"
This part broadens the scope of distress to include natural calamities and general societal upheaval. "Earthquakes in divers places" suggests an increase in seismic activity across various regions, while "famines" point to widespread food shortages and resulting suffering. "Troubles" (tarachḗ) is a broader term encompassing general disturbances, commotions, or social unrest, indicating a pervasive sense of anxiety and disorder.
"these [are] the beginnings of sorrows"
This concluding phrase is the interpretive key to the entire verse. Jesus explicitly states that the preceding events are not the culmination but merely the "beginnings" (archḗ, meaning commencement or first stage) of "sorrows" (ōdín, birth pangs). This powerful metaphor signifies that these signs will intensify in frequency and severity, much like labor contractions, leading up to the ultimate "birth" of the new age and Christ's return, but are not the end itself.
Literary Devices
Mark 13:8 is rich in literary devices that amplify its prophetic message. The most prominent is the Metaphor of "beginnings of sorrows," which directly translates to "birth pangs." This vivid imagery is profoundly significant, transforming the understanding of these distressing events from random calamities into purposeful, escalating signs. Just as birth pangs intensify and become more frequent as labor progresses towards a birth, so too will these global conflicts, natural disasters, and societal troubles increase in severity and regularity as the time of Christ's return draws near. This metaphor provides both a warning and a framework for understanding the prophetic timeline. Furthermore, the verse employs Parallelism in the phrase "nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom." This rhetorical device emphasizes the widespread and comprehensive nature of the predicted global conflict, highlighting its pervasive impact across all levels of human society. The entire verse functions as a form of Prophecy or Foreshadowing, providing specific indicators for future events, thereby preparing Jesus' disciples and subsequent generations for the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Mark 13:8 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of the fallen world and God's sovereign plan for its redemption. The "beginnings of sorrows" underscore the reality of a creation groaning under the weight of sin, experiencing the consequences of humanity's rebellion. Yet, these signs are not arbitrary chaos; they are divinely ordained signals, part of a purposeful progression towards the consummation of God's kingdom. They testify to God's ultimate control over history, even amidst apparent global disorder, and serve as a powerful reminder that the present age is temporary, moving inexorably towards its divinely appointed end. For believers, these signs are not a cause for despair but a call to spiritual alertness and a confirmation that God's promises, including the return of His Son, are indeed unfolding.
Reflection and Application
Mark 13:8 offers a profound call to spiritual readiness and discernment for believers living in any age, but particularly as we observe the increasing global instability and distress. Rather than inciting fear or panic, Jesus' words invite us to view these "beginnings of sorrows" as signposts, guiding us to understand the times and to live with intentionality. They remind us that the world's brokenness is not random but part of a larger, divinely orchestrated narrative leading to Christ's glorious return. This understanding should motivate us to prioritize the eternal, to deepen our reliance on God's unwavering sovereignty, and to live as ambassadors of the Gospel in a world desperately searching for hope. It calls us to cultivate spiritual endurance, to resist being overwhelmed by the world's troubles, and to actively participate in God's redemptive mission, knowing that the "birth" of the new creation is drawing nearer.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Are these signs unique to the end times, or have they always occurred?
While wars, earthquakes, and famines have been part of human history since the Fall, Jesus' prophecy in Mark 13:8 emphasizes their escalation and frequency as a unique characteristic of the period preceding His return. The key lies in the phrase "beginnings of sorrows," which uses the Greek word ōdín, meaning "birth pangs." This powerful metaphor suggests that these events will intensify in both number and severity, much like labor contractions before a birth. So, it's not merely their occurrence, but their increasing intensity and global reach that marks them as specific signs of the approaching end of the age, distinguishing them from ordinary historical calamities.
Should believers fear these signs?
No, believers should not fear these signs. Jesus explicitly states in the broader Olivet Discourse that His followers should not be alarmed (Mark 13:7). Instead, these "beginnings of sorrows" are meant to serve as a call to spiritual vigilance, discernment, and steadfastness. They are indicators that God's prophetic timetable is unfolding, prompting believers to live with greater purpose, share the Gospel with urgency, and persevere in faith. As Luke 21:28 puts it in a parallel passage, "when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh." These signs are a reminder that our ultimate hope is not in this world, but in the coming King and His eternal kingdom.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Mark 13:8, with its depiction of escalating global distress and the powerful metaphor of "birth pangs," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not just in the anticipation of His second coming, but profoundly in His redemptive work. The "sorrows" described are a stark reminder of the brokenness of a world groaning under the weight of sin, a world that desperately needs a Savior. Jesus, the Lamb of God, entered into this world of conflict, famine, and trouble, ultimately taking upon Himself the greatest sorrow—the agony of the cross—to bear the sin of humanity (Isaiah 53:3-5). His death and resurrection initiated the "birth" of the new covenant and the spiritual kingdom, providing the only lasting peace in a world riddled with strife (John 14:27). The "birth pangs" of the present age are therefore leading to the glorious "birth" of the new heavens and new earth, a reality made possible by Christ's triumph over sin and death (Revelation 21:1-4). He is the one who ultimately overcomes the world's troubles (John 16:33), and His return will bring an end to all sorrows, ushering in an eternal reign of righteousness and peace where God will wipe away every tear (Revelation 21:4).